mosque

A mosque, or masjid, is a Muslim place of worship where Muslims gather for communal prayer, study, and reflection. The term masjid comes from the Arabic root meaning to bow or prostrate, reflecting the central practice of prayer. The word mosque is used in English-language texts, while masjid is commonly used in Arabic and many non-Arab Muslim languages.

Most mosques have a prayer hall oriented toward the qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Inside, a mihrab marks the qibla, and a minbar may be used for sermons. A minaret, from which the call to prayer may be announced, is a common feature, though not universal. Facilities for ablutions (wudu) precede prayer. In many mosques, separate spaces exist for women and men.

Architectural styles vary by region and era. Some mosques emphasize large domes and central prayer halls, others feature slender minarets, horseshoe arches, or intricate tilework. Decorations focus on calligraphy and geometric patterns rather than figurative imagery. In addition to worship, mosques often function as community centers with schools, libraries, and charitable programs.

Mosques trace their origins to the early Muslim community in Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad led prayers in the Prophet's Mosque. As Islam spread, mosques were built across the Islamic world, from Damascus and Baghdad to Cairo, Istanbul, and Fes. Notable examples include the Prophet's Mosque, the Great Mosque of Damascus, the Blue Mosque, and the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

Today, mosques serve as places of worship and community life, hosting Friday congregational prayers, religious education, rites of passage, and social services. While the forms and practices vary, mosques remain central to Muslim religious life and cultural heritage in communities worldwide.